Seven Healthy Snacks to Keep You on Track

In an effort to detox a bit after Nashville, I am determined to keep healthy snacks around the apartment to ward off my chips & salsa habit and curb my chocolate & wine cravings. During February, I will be concentrating on healthier recipes, minus one or two Valentine’s Day cocktails, and periodically adding fitness content on my Health and Fitness Page. The Olympics and/or my desire to look like a supermodel on the Mexican beach in June may or may not be the culprit behind my sudden desire to be (swallow) very healthy. Oh well, February is a short month, sorry Dan. Below are seven of my favorite healthy snacks; all are simple to make and quite tasty. A couple of snacks will re-appear in full recipe posts later this month to keep me on track. Enjoy!

Healthy Snacks to Keep You on Track

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a mandolin or a paring knife, slice 3-4 apples thinly and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chips are golden brown. Chips will keep for up to a week in tightly sealed container.

Olive Oil Popcorn

-Heat 3-5 tablespoons of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot. Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels and lightly shake to coat kernels. Cover with lid and periodically shake pot back and forth until all kernels are popped. Add minimal salt to taste.

Banana with Peanut Butter and Nutella

-Slice one banana into 1-inch pieces. Drizzle banana with 1 tbsp of natural peanut butter and 1 tbsp of Nutella.

Lemon Kale Chips

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop kale into ½ inch pieces and place into large bowl. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt and 2 tbsp lemon juice (1/2 lemon) into the bowl; coat kale evenly. Lay kale on baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the kale is dark green and crispy. I find the 12 minute mark to be perfect. Cool and serve.

Frozen Grapes

-Freeze a bag of grapes and enjoy!

Strawberry and Peanut Butter Toast

-Toast two pieces of whole wheat toast and spread with natural peanut butter. Top with freshly cut strawberries or other desired fruit.

Carrots and Hummus

-Dip baby carrots in plain hummus; sprinkle paprika for an added flavor boost.